Mop clamp



I Sept."1 7, 1935. s; BRANDEL 2,014,490

MOP CLAMP Filed Oct. 1'7, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l Invenlor 27774 ar fiq ez I v flttomey Sept. 17, 1935. SQ-BRANDEL I H 2,014,490

MOP CLAMP Filed Oct. 17, 1954 2 Sheeis-Sheet 2 Inventor 4 QM/an .zran/Je Z. J

Patented Sept. 17, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to novel clamp structures of a generically similar type expressly constructed and designed for use in connection with a handle such as is attachable to a special brush, mophead or the like.

Briefly described, the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a clamp structure made up principally of a duplex or double jaw clamp wherein the jaws are fashioned to engage and hold in place a brush, mop head or the like, together with a retaining bracket of an adapter type such as-enables it to accommodate and cooperate with the movable jawv of the clamp arrangement according to the selection and discretion of the user.

In reducing the invention to practice I have evolved and produced a simple and economical clamp construction having a socket for reception of the stick or handle so as to permit said socket to function as a ferrule and as a carrier for the companion or complemental clamping units.

The specific adaptation and arrangement of parts will become more readily apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of one embodiment of the invention showing the arrangement utilized for the accommodation of a stiff back bristle brush.

Figure 2 is a view like Figure 1 showing the alternative arrangement such as is utilized for holding a mop head such as, for example, of the type used in connection with ordinary floor and wall mops.

Figure 3 is an elevational view of Figure 1 observing the same in a direction from right to left.

Figure 4 is a view in section and elevation disclosing the assemblage a little more in detail.

Figure 5 is an elevational View of the relatively movable or swingable unit of the clamping jaw construction.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the special adapter used in connection with the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a view of a similar bracket or adapter used in connection with the arrangement depicted in Figure 2.

By way of introduction, it is to be pointed out that the clamping device itself is the same in both embodiments of the invention. The only difference is predicated on the specific formation or shape of the adapter bracket illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. That is to say, the one shown in Figure 6 is of the right angular or acute angle type allowing the jaws to be spread sufiiciently to accommodate the back of a brush. Thev one shown in Figure 7 is'of the obtuse angular formation and is'used in Figure 2 where'it is'necessary tofbring the clamping jaws'into close grasping 5 relationship to the. relatively small portion of the mop head. It follows, therefore, thatthe numerals throughout the drawings are utilized to'des'ig'nate like parts with the exceptionjof the details shown in Figures 6 and 7'. That i's't'o 10 say, these parts will be differentiated by distinguishing numerals merely for the sake of illustration' and clearness. I

Asbefore br'ieflyindicated, the clamping' device is composed principally of two complemental sections or parts, one of which is designated as the stationary section and denoted by the numeral 8 and the other one distinguished by the numeral 9. The part 8 comprises a, socket) shaped to accommodate the stick or handle ll and therefore functions as a ferrule. Formed integrally on the lower end of the socket is the complemental jaw unit and this embodies as better shown in Figure 4 a flattened shank I2 fashioned and shaped as disclosed to form what may be conveniently designated as a hanger lug. The jaw element, which is channel-shaped in cross sectional contour, is distinguished by the numeral 13 and the walls thereof are serrated as at M to provide gripping teeth. The jointing connection between the parts l2 and I3 is shown in Figure 3 and comprises a longitudinally bowed or arched connector 15 and a centralized brace element it connected therewith and with the corresponding central portion of the channeled jaw l3.

The section 9, which constitutes the swingable jaw unit, is of somewhat similar construction. Referring to Figure 5, for example, it will be observed that this embodies a channel-shaped clamping jaw I! having gripping teeth l8. In this arrangement it will be observed, however, that the connector bar I!) is of longitudinally bowed form and made integral with the jaw and carries a pair of upstanding attaching cars 20. These ears straddle the aforementioned hanger lug l2 and are pivotally connected thereto by a pin as indicated at 2|. The numerals 22 designate a pair of spaced parallel brace elements between the bar l9 and the central portion of the jaw I1. This provides a sort of a framework for hingedly connecting the jaw ll with the relatively fixedjaw unit 8. Whenever the device is adapted for use in connection with a brush as indicated at 23 it is necessary to provide a right angularly shaped adapter bracket 24. This functions as a retaining element. It will be observed from Figure 6 that it comprises a transversely curved attaching member and a substantially right angularly bent retaining member 26 having a stabilizing detent 21 which rests upon the bar l9 and is located between the brace elements 22 to provide for rigidity of construction. It will be noted that the adjacent lower end portion on the same side of the socket ID is formed with a cut-out portion or notch to accommodate the attaching member 25. This part 25 is held in place by a bolt 28 and a wing nut 29. The angular relationship of the features 26 and 21 allows the jaw units 8 and 9 to be spread apart sufficiently to securely grasp the brush 23. Incidentally the brush embodies a stiff back 30 and brush bristles 3|. The marginal portion of the back is provided with a groove 32 to accommodate the adjacent teeth i4 and 3 as the case may be. It is evident, therefore, that the brush may be conveniently located between the jaw units and firmly secured in place against displacement.

Whenever the invention is desired for use with a soft or flexible mop head as indicated at 33 in Figure 2, the same construction already described is satisfactory for use. The only diiTeronce is that the adapter bracket 34 is changed in formation. Fundamentally, however, it is the same in that it embodies an arcuate or channelshaped attaching member 35 apertured to accommodate the bolt 28 and further embodies a terminal member or portion 36 which serves as a pressure element to bear against the adjacent or 'complemental jaw unit. This part 36, however,

is disposed at a more obtuse angle to the member 35 than is the case with the features illustrated in the bracket shown in Figure 6. It is of course understood that the bracket 24 in Figure 6 is not a true right angle but is approximately so and has been so described merely for convenience.

It is thought that persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the invention after considering the description in connection with the drawings. Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded as unnecessary.

Minor changes in shape, size, and rearrangement of details coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, if desired.

What is claimed is:

A structure of the class described comprising a handle-receiving socket, an integral jaw unit carried thereby, said jaw unit including a shank formed with a hanger lug, and further including a horizontally disposed longitudinally elongated channel-shaped clamping jaw, each longitudinal free edge thereof being serrated, means attaching said jaw to said hanger lug, a relatively movable jaw unit hingedly attached to said lug and including a jaw corresponding in formation to the first-named jaw, a detachable adjusting and retaining bracket cooperable with said socket, said bracket being of such angular formation as to regulate the space or distance between the two clamping jaws so as to allow said jaws to be employed in conjunction with either a stiff back brush or a soft mop head as desired.

SIMON BRANDEL. 

